How to Draw a Secret
On sale Feb 4, 2025 · Published by Harper Collins / Allida
Twelve-year-old Cindy relishes creating flawless images, but she is stumped by an art contest prompt: “What family means to me.” No one at school can know that Cindy’s dad moved back to Taiwan four years ago, so Cindy sketches out the perfect plan to draw the perfect picture while keeping her parents’ separation secret.
Then an unexpected trip to Taipei reveals devastating new secrets. Suddenly everything from her art to her family is falling apart. With her dream of perfection in tatters, Cindy must figure out how to draw from her heart and share her secrets.
But can she really reveal the truth, messy lines and all?
Where to buy it
Advance praise
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
“Phenomenal and powerful. No family is perfect, but How to Draw a Secret is a truly perfect read. I wish I had had this book as a kid.”
Christina Soontornvat, three-time Newbery Honor recipient and author of The Tryout
"Brilliant! You will want to re-read this again and again."
Jennifer L. Holm, NY Times-bestselling co-creator of Sunny Side Up
“A deeply beautiful book: beautiful to look at, and especially beautiful because of the total honesty in Cindy’s confusion, determination, and love for her flawed family.”
Linda Sue Park, New York Times bestselling author of A Long Walk to Water